UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Women's, Gender and Sexualities Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Women’s and Gender Studies?

Women’s and Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary academic area that examines issues of gender, sexuality, and diversity.  This field includes a range of topics of concern to all people, and explores them from historical, educational, literary, artistic, psychological, sociological, and biological perspectives.
We take a contextual approach to these issues that includes asking questions such as: 

  • How is gender socially constructed?
  • What are the consequences for behaving outside gender norms? 
  • How does gender affect employment practices and workplace environment?; and many others

Why should I minor in Women’s and Gender Studies?

The Women’s and Gender Studies minor is an asset on the job market in both the public and private sectors.  As the workplace continues to become more diverse, including more women and people of color in positions as supervisors, co-workers and clients, the need for enlightened cooperation and mutual empowerment has become more urgent.  Women’s and Gender Studies provides students with a starting point for addressing this need.

Women’s and Gender Studies is useful to both women and men because it works against gender exclusivity, exposing unexamined attitudes in order to facilitate cooperation and collaboration among all people, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, social class, or sexual identity.

Is Women’s and Gender Studies only about women?

No, Women’s and Gender Studies is about people though it has tended historically to focus solely on women.  Our curriculum includes feminist theory, women’s history, women’s fiction, gender socialization, issues of gender in the workplace, and intersections of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and social class.

What can I do with my Women’s and Gender Studies minor?

The minor in Women’s and Gender Studies opens up many possibilities for jobs in the public and private sectors.  When hiring, many employers look for people who can work successfully with a range of populations — including women, LGBTQ populations, and diverse ethnic groups.  A minor in Women’s and Gender Studies provides you with the tools to succeed in a diverse world.